Veterans & Armed Forces Archives - Page 5 of 58

Ensuring our National Security and Standing up for our Veterans

After nearly two decades of war and with foreign powers attempting to interfere in our elections and political processes, America must be both tough and smart to ensure our national security. To best secure our national interests and protect the American people (and our allies) it is vitally important that we ensure our armed forces remain the best-trained, best-prepared and best-equipped in the world.

A strong military, however, is not just a national interest—it’s also a regional one. The Rock Island Arsenal in the Quad-Cities, the Air National Guard base outside Peoria and major aerospace companies in Rockford employ many thousands across our district. That’s why I have prioritized supporting these installations and our local defense industrial base. I helped establish the Center of Excellence for Additive and Advanced Manufacturing at the Rock Island Arsenal, fought to secure $9 million for a new firehouse for the Peoria Air National Guard Base, and through my role on the powerful Appropriations Committee, I helped direct millions of dollars to the Seventeenth Congressional District to strengthen our military and our region.

But, as we provide our troops with everything they need to get the job done, we must also keep our promise to those who have bravely served our nation and sacrificed on our behalf. Our veterans have earned the right to the best care and support possible as they return from battlefields overseas. This is why I support providing returning servicemembers with job training, college opportunities and financial planning to help those transitioning back into our communities and the workforce. I also support fully funding veterans’ health care benefits and ensuring that all veterans—regardless of zip code—have the ability to travel to their appointments and receive their care without lengthy wait times. 

I am also working to make sure the Veterans Administration system is easy to navigate and provides veterans with the needed benefits they earned and deserve. I have made it a priority to hold the VA accountable to make sure they are leaving no veterans behind. That’s why I helped pass the Blue Water Navy Veterans Act to extend the presumption of Agent Orange exposure and pushed the Administration to expeditiously begin processing veteran claims.

If you are a veteran seeking help navigating your benefits or dealing with any federal agency, I can help. Please do not hesitate to contact my office.

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Press Release

February 25, 2020

Bustos, Wenstrup Bill to Support Gold Star Families Passes the House

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February 24, 2020

ROUNDUP: BUSTOS VISITS EVERY COUNTY IN CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT IN ONE WEEK

Bustos Events Focus on Health Care, Veterans, Education, Local Economy Washington – Last week, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) visited all 14 counties across Illinois’ 17th Congressional District, traveled over 900 miles, held 18 events and meetings, and announced more than $25 million in federal funds for the region. “I always say we’re given two ears […]

Press Release

February 14, 2020

Bustos Statement on Theft of Defense Funds

Bustos Sits on House Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Washington – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, released the following statement on the Administration’s recent decision, which has drawn bipartisan criticism, to steal Department of Defense funds […]

Press Release

January 13, 2020

Bustos Announces 2020 Valentines for Veterans

Washington – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) announced her seventh annual “Valentines for Veterans” program, encouraging families across Illinois’ 17th Congressional District to show appreciation for our service members by making homemade Valentine’s Day cards. Congresswoman Bustos has delivered more than 1,000 Valentines to local veterans since first launching the program. “As Valentine’s Day approaches, I’m […]